Scotland's World Cup hopes took another blow on Thursday evening as Ecuador beat Germany 2-1.
Scotland were already on the brink after their 3-0 defeat to Brazil leaving their fate very much out of their hands. A draw would have all but secured a place in the knockout rounds, but even a defeat by one goal -- or at a push two -- could have been enough. But their goal difference has taken a significant dent and that could be what costs them qualification from Group C.
Brazil were gifted an early opener following a defensive mistake and were very nearly handed a second before VAR intervention. Vinicius Junior doubled his tally shortly before half-time with Matheus Cunha scoring the game's third goal and his third of the tournament.
Scotland need to be one of the eight best third-placed teams but are already guaranteed to finish below South Korea (three points, -1 goal difference), Bosnia and Herzegovina (four points, -1 goal difference), Paraguay (four points, -2 goal difference), Ecuador (four points, 0 goal difference) and Sweden (4 points, zero goal difference).
We've taken a look at each group and the results Scotland need to reach the round of 32.
In Group G, realistically Egypt beating Iran is Scotland's best chance of finishing above another side, with Belgium likely to beat New Zealand.
In Group H, Cape Verde will qualify with a draw, however if Uruguay lose to Spain, they will finish on two points and be eliminated.
In Group I, Senegal will finish above Scotland with a win over Iraq.
In Group J, both Austria and Algeria go through with a draw, though a two-goal win for Austria would push Algeria below Scotland.
In Group K, DR Congo would reach four points with a win over Uzbekistan, though a draw sends both teams out.
In Group L, Scotland need Ghana to beat Croatia by three goals to leapfrog the 2018 runners-up.
How can Scotland qualify for the last 32?
While there are still plenty of permutations, Scotland's best realistic chance of qualifying relies on:
- Segenal failing to beat Iraq in Group I;
- Egypt beating Iran in Group G;
- Spain beating Uruguay in Group H;
- DR Congo not beating Uzbekistan in Group K
